Chemical Engineering Placement Student Review

One key aspect of my role will be to support site capital projects, ensuring that they are delivered to the agreed scope of works, timescale and cost. This will involve coordinating designated activities from implementation to handover to the client. I will need to work closely with technical experts to ensure that all aspects of the project are thoroughly considered and that any issues are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
In addition to supporting capital projects, I will also be responsible for Root Cause Analysis for Process Issues, with a particular focus on the manufacturing areas of Tablet Compaction, Compression and Coating, and Suspension Granulation. This will involve investigating any issues that arise and working with other team members to develop solutions to address them.

My job role involved supporting the site in achieving compliance to safety and quality standards, supporting capital projects, coordinating activities from implementation to handover to the client, and leading Root Cause Analysis for process issues mainly focused in the manufacturing areas. These responsibilities suggest that I was entrusted with important tasks and played a key role in contributing to the success of the site's operations. The projects that I undertook were important and relevant to ensure the company reach their objectives.

Increased my technical knowledge on dust explosions and the importance on why protective measures are needed to ensure they are prevented, and to also reduce the severity of them. Furthermore, knowledge on different type of leak testing was gained, such as vacuum mode, blue dye leak testing and more. Without these critical piece of equipment, you can't determine when you have a leak or not in your products, which leads to quality implications. My transferable skills have been developed such as communication, as I am constantly making meetings to obtain approval for certain documents, or need to gain additional information.

During the first couple of months, my industrial supervisor ensured that I was familiar with the site and the personnel as well which allowed me to ease in to the placement and know my way around. With regards to information about certain processes/ equipment, there were documents that detailed them, but what was more beneficial was the fact that personnel were eager to provide their information on it as well which allowed to get a different perspective.

GlaxoSmithKline, as a pharmaceutical company, fosters a company culture and atmosphere that is second to none. From the moment you walk in the door, you can feel the energy and passion that permeates throughout the workplace. The company's emphasis on collaboration, respect, and innovation creates a positive and supportive work environment. Employees are encouraged to share their ideas, and leadership actively listens and takes action to support their development.
The culture at GlaxoSmithKline promotes a sense of purpose, a commitment to making a difference, and a focus on achieving excellence in everything they do. Whether it's through training programs, mentoring opportunities, or community outreach initiatives, the company strives to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Overall, the culture and atmosphere at GlaxoSmithKline reflect the company's values and commitment to creating a positive impact in the world, making it an exceptional place to work.

Really enjoyed my placement year, as I have gained and developed not only technical skills, but transferable skills that I would have not learnt just with university. As simple as joining regular meetings, to greet colleagues and convey the information, to more complex tasks such as sizing an explosion vent to reduce it's over pressure during an internal explosion. Overall, the pharmaceutical placement taught me many transferable skills and technical skills which would have not been covered in university, and provided numerous advantages such as practical experience, enhancing professional skills, expanding industry knowledge, and building a professional network.

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